The Native Iowan

A chilly spring morning here. We had upwards to 90f temps a weeks or so ago then we slip back into 40-60f nights/ days… nice weather. No rain for a month or so… Finally getting some work done. This year has been a bitch.

All my projects pretty much a year or more behind. I’m pushing to close out a property development gig that is 15months and a million$$s over. The red tape and bullshit bureaucracy is foolish. And makes this my last such development. I am tired of the BS. Australia is a terribly confused nanny state. So much waste. I have been developing property here for 15years and am done. It’s not worth it any more. Too many ill-informed, well meaning wienies making decisions. Sad state of affairs.

In 2018 I built a “granny-flat” on my rural property. At that time the Council refused the build noting that the site proposed was only xxxmeters above sea level and “IF” sea levels rose xxxmeters we’d be under water… I’m 20miles from the coast. I’m uphill noting the stream on my property drains downhill into the Stanley River then the Brisbane River. But the shit for brains decision makers argued until I pointed out that their offices were at more risk than I was. It would have been funny if it had not been so dumb.

I’m pretty sure the shit for brains bureaucracy I speak of is alive and well in the USA, and offers one of the explanations why the East-West dialogue is so sad… 

People are simply not very bright any more. Too many hours in dream states called social media? Too much emasculation of common sense? Too much conditioning? DEI hire? Too much being told what to do? Not enough learned lessons about high risk/ high reward? Too much Pussification?

The world is full of wienies any more. 

Im glad Im not in the USofA. I know Aus has a lot of problems, noting well our wienie PM and his cohort of Union-pals that are raping and pillaging… One of the largest Unions in Aus has been sent into receivership for a myriad of super-corrupt practices. Which is amazing noting the plethora of corrupt practices Aus is willing to accept. Must be bad if they are being de-listed…. https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/tradies-not-affiliated-with-disgraced-union-the-cfmeu-kicked-off-jobs-sites-as-industry-bosses-reveal-chilling-threats/news-story/33ea660ac81236ba1948cdd2ffa39efb?utm_source=News.com&utm_medium=Google&utm_campaign=Pmax&utm_source=SEM&utm_medium=PPC_SEM&utm_campaign={campaign}&gad_source=1

From the outside looking into the USA, it do look sad and confused… 2pot shots at DJT in 2months? I wrote recently that these loony-liberal would be assassins sure aint very good with a long-arm. And the SS that “protects” the Candidates aint doing a great job. Maybe they aint trying?

One of my favourites… Reports that Canadian immigrants are eating pets in Des Moinse… We know that Iowa pussy much better than Canadian. 

Cost of living is skyrocketing here. I sold a house in 2016 for 490,000.00. Last year it sold for 820,000.00. I mentioned the BS involved with building/ developing… housing here is in short supply. It’s not going to get better, soon. Only 1% of the housing market is available for rent/ sale on any given day. I know folks that simply cannot find a house. And some that cannot afford what is available. 

As you know, Aus is a very laid back place and each council/ Shire (County) maintains many, well kept, well serviced public camp grounds. I have one down the road from me… There is probably 20+ camp sites there today. I pay attention and see many there for extended periods. Folks are now living in tents and campers, because they cant find/ afford housing. This is not new and is on the increase. Not a good sign.

Here in Aus I’d say that COL has increased by 30%+ since covid ended/ the Labor Govt came to power, less than 4 years. And the Govt just hands money out.

You’d think that they would know that subsidies dont work. Seldom do. Seldom will. But I just got a $1000.00 credit on my power bill. Everyone did… 10million households x 1000 = 1,000,000,000.00 in tax payer money squandered.

The Election may well be called soon, so more free-bees expected. Like the Solomons… bags of rice buy votes.

Smiles

Damn! I say Damn!

Another loony leftist, with an “indistinct political agenda”, is prepared to take a shot at DJT.

Damn!

For all the rhetoric about the red-necked-right, it sure as shit would appear as tho its the leftist loonies that are the ones unhinged enough to take pot-shots at public officials. And the ones that need shooting lessons.

And, please, all you folks out there (I know your names) that have and are and will crow about DJT getting targeted… shame on you! Shame on you for your negativity and immaturity. Shame on you for your derangement… It is never, ever ok to attempt to assassinate a political figure because you dont agree with them.

Nor is it acceptable to even playfully talk about “taking him out”, or “he deserves to be shot”, or “someone should just shoot him”… no, such rhetoric is not OK.

And all the one sided talk about how evil and divisive and bad the Orange Man is does nothing but form an environment where some poor, deranged, democrat decides he wants to be a hero, a saviour.

Im kinda pissed off with all my near and dear liberal loony friends and family that have been espousing toxic BS for almost a decade. Enough now! Cease! Desist! For all your goodness, kindness, philanthropy, christianity and humanity, it is time to remove your cranium(s) from your anus’.

Enough now!

Think before you speak. Stop listening to the poisonous rhetoric you subscribe to. Take a step away from the deranged banter and toxic rhetoric.

It is time to grow up and think for yourself.

Please

And go get some target practice… go befriend a red-neck, conservative, bubba and let him take you shoot’n…

Guns are good tools. I like my guns. I teach my grandkids to shoot. Everyone needs a lesson or two at shoot’n…

I never really learned to shoot with a scope. Never planned to do long shots, in a stable, set position.

I prefer clean sites, old iron sites. I can faithfully shoot my 50 year old .3030 Winchester (carbine) lever action @100 yards into a hand sized target. My cheap .22long bolt action, no scope, plinks cans easily @100yeards. If I brace, stabilise either gun, kneeling or prone or use a prop, I can easily shoot both guns 150yards. Easy. I shoot regularly, take my grandkids out n let them shoot. We have an established shooting range. Being on a big rural property is good… Kids need to learn about guns and motorcycles. The .410 scares them. Its very loud.

So learn to shoot. And learn to think for yourselves…

Please…

The sun is out, the air is chilled, the TV is set for a full day of Blood-Sport.

I’ll start cooking a big pot of beans, soon, preparing for whom ever may show up. I usually get a couple recalcitrant blood-sport aficionados showing up about noon, in time for the PPV main card. Today’s card will be good, worth the price of admission. I’ll see if BigG, or Mendoza show up… Probably more for my cooking than the sport, but thats OK. I’m very happy with a day full of Cage-fighting. I like my own company.

830am, the temps are 17c/63f, in the sunlight. Things are quite tranquil. The flora and fauna is soaking up the radiant heat. A light breeze stirs the air. The sky is a pastel blue, few clouds in sight, the varying hues of green, verdant, dark, blue to yellow, and more… stunning.

My valley lies outside of controlled airspace, and as such we get light, sporting aircraft over head. There are numerous small, private airstrips around us. Its common to have a low flying, light aircraft enjoy our airspace… here’s my buddy BigG’s picts of the valley from 5000ft… the farm is off the wing tip in each pict…

Wings be coool…

life has been a bit dull… weather has been cooperating so I spend most of my days simply being a farmer. My phone tells me I take over 10,000 steps a day -most of them looking for my misplaced phone- and normally spend at least half my day outside doing what needs to be done. I admit to being easily wore out, sore, slow. I wear a brace on my left knee, and a brace on my right ankle. My myriad of injuries compounded by age forces me to, finally, take some care in what I do. I dont fall, stumble, trip, or injure or re-insure myself as much as I used to. Ive never been real smart in using my body. Thus the myriad of injuries. As mamma said… getting old aint for sissies…

I live in the land of Medical Cannabis. I really, really like it… I use a couple different oils for my arthritic inflammations. I have great flower that can fill my arthritic joints with a happy feeling. I do not imbibe while I work or operate machines. Specifically for medicinal purposes… Ive got all my digits so no wood work while medicated. Machine operation takes a high level of awareness. I have rolled a big mower without the aid of medication, so am scrupulously “careful” not to be an idiot… again and again…

Here’s me under a machine a while back… had to call for help… but first thing was to snap a selfie…

And the beat goes on…

more later

A soft, blustery, overcast morning. A bit of rain blew through between 5-6am. The dogs are quiet. The air has a muted quality to it. The early morning bird-noises were impressive, but now things are quiet. I have one little fantail (willy wagtail) that sits in the back tree and annoys the shit outta me with his attempts to sound beautiful. He says the same thing time and time again. it do get annoying…

It’s 9am and I am sitting, windows open, letting the chilled breeze fill the house. Ive put the Newz/Bluez on so I can catch the lead up to the Big Debate. It’s a huge amount of BS. Its a huge amount of $$ being thrown at it all…

I use the sheer amount of dollars and cents involved, to “prove” it aint about money. Not when the cost of the campaign is in the Billions of Dollars. So it simply cant be about $$. Not if its worth spending unlimited amounts to gain control…

It has to be about power. And only about power. Who is in power, who is in control is what matters.

I know some folks out there will think dumb-shit stuff like “it’s for the common good”.

There is no common good when it comes to the rape and pillage of the public at large by the minority, by a cross-section of society.

I know some folks are out there believing that there is a scintilla of humanity, an altruism, a noble ideal within the candidate, any candidate, to do good, make things better.

Colour me sceptical.

I surf the news/bluez channels and see talking heads acting like they know something special, have something to say that will enrich my life, change my mind, help me understand and decipher all…

Its all BS.

Each talking head is a millionaire in their own right. They are selling day-old goods. They are lying, deceiving, telling us it’s caviar when it’s really dog-shit.

I am confused. And disheartened. Is the general populace so gullible, stoopid, uneducated?

Sadly, I think it is…

More later

Friday the 6th of the 9th. Im just waking up from a bout of the Island Flu. I got back from Honiara late Friday. Caught up and was good Saturday and Sunday. Monday was hectic, busy, all day until late in the eve. I wasn’t feeling great but had to get things done… As it went on, the day got vague, I became very much lost in a Fogg. I dont really recall much of the later day. By 8pm or so I was crashed out, running a fever, feeling very malarial.

Tuesday saw me wrapped up, moaning and groaning, body aching, head heavy, not a happy camper at all. Yesterday I was kinda good. I got a call early saying concrete work on a shed Im building was going to start. Good news, but I’m still a bit shaky. Vague. As the trucks roll in I talk to the guys and sort the work out. All is good. They know their stuff…

After I was up and moving I realised it was Thursday. Where did Wednesday go?

I had lost a day in the fog and haze of the illness.

At my age I cant lose too many days…

and the beat goes on…

more later

For decades I have used this pict as my stock Family photo:

it is old, has lost all its resolution.

a lot of miles, and numerous babies between then and now…

more later

September is here. August was a hoot… I am back in the Land of Aus, in my valley. My quick fix of LDC time/ Family fun done and I am now in recovery mode… my final submission from my time in the isles…

Started Friday 30 Aug 2024:

Island Time, jus ‘bout done. 

I sit in the departure lounge at Henderson Airport. Its Friday, 30 of 08, 1254pm. My flight boards in an hour and a half. Ive come out early because a) I was told traffic would be terrible, and b) my family are all recovering from a long, long night of very heavy partying. Everyone is tired to the point to being exhausted, hungover. Tired and hung over is the theme of the day.

The party was a huge success. The food and grog flowed thick and long. I think there were an easy 200 folks, of varying sizes, shapes and ages catered to. I know that many of my tribe were on site until after 3am. 

I am told that the band stopped playing and the final drops of grog got poured about the same time… 3am.  Great timing to run out of lubricant as the music makers ran out of steam. 

We drove out to the scene of the crime on the way to the airport. Not much activity there when I passed through. Everyone is slow, injured, infirm, damaged. My daughter, Connie, tells me that the extended tribe was still in bed at 10am. Noting well the clean up requires a huge effort… plates and silver ware and table cloths, napkins and heaps of glasses… pots n pans and all the greasy kitchen hardware that is now congealed and attracting flies.

Old line… OK to howl all night, if you’re ready to howl all day… Howling starting very late today.

It was impressive… A 40/20meter pavilion was set up, a timber floor laid, a kitchen established, power strung up and a big generator brought in. Toilets, water… where nothing was, is now a cool facility.

I always dig watching what can be done in these islands… where many hands might make light work… or maybe a promise of a party brings folks together… I am impressed with my tribe for pulling off such a fun, big, frenetic gig.

No blood was spilt… we shall try harder next time…

Traveling in the Islands is fun for many reasons, but my favourite is the before discussed fact that its common to bump into folks you know at the airports. And not just folks you know and see often, but rather, folks that you ant seen in ages and ages.

I pride myself on having a good memory. As I was checking in a man, maybe 40 years old, with greying at the temples, recognises first, Don, then flashes a huge smile and grabs my hand…  from the back of my memory I hear an echo…  I say “Eddie”… Golly, the skinny kid I knew working for Nick at Sullivans in the 90s stood before me. Big ass man now, but his skinny boy smile was still there. 

And it was guuud.

Got through formalities and placed myself to observe the in coming and was very lucky to meet my old bud, Justin Fu’o. Justin is a good, honest, hardworking, smart, very successful business-dude from Malaita.

We sat and talked for over an hour. It was good.

Back at the farm now.

Cleaned and ready for my own bed.

Some images of it all…

Any way, thats the rumour…

The tribe (the extended community) has been working for weeks to set up a venue for the coming “function”. Everything has been imported specifically for this party. They have put in a lot of work and the result is damn good…

Going to be a big doo… very big doo.

A lot of effort has gone into this.

Makes me smile.

I’ll put my glad-rags on in an hour and allow myself to herded and transported and fed and watered and entertained, All I gotta do is stay awake, not get dumb-drunk, and look hapi… life is indeed good.

More later

I sit in Honiara. Flew in from the land of Aus, arriving about 1pm. Was up ridiculously early, (yesterday) as one does when focused on a morning flight. 

The flight was seamless. Seductive even. Knowing well that becoming infatuated with the Solos is folly. It lies. Lures you in. This fight was easy, positive, let’s do that again real sooon. Then, next time, leaves you stuck in the departures area for 14hours. Welcome to the Happy Isles…

I head back for a big family party. It could be called a wedding. It could be called a family reunion. It could be call an Island Feast. It is many things and they are all guuuud. 

My son, Don, picked me up at the airport. He had 2 of my Dawgs with him… Big Red, the m0nster-mouthed, slobber-puss, and petit Ms Stormy. Both great dawgs. They travel around with him daily. Where he goes they walk beside him, or they sit in the air conditioned truck. Guud Dawgs, very gud dawgs.

The ride from Henderson to Point Cruz was pretty much unrecognisable. I have not been here since February 2020. A lot of “new” has happened. Noting well that there has been two major civil unrest incidents since my last visit. A lot of what was, got burnt to the ground, and is now “new”, again.

I think we might be able to spin that into a positive??? 

The town is dirty and dusty. Lots and lots of people on the roads. Lots and lots of vehicles. Driving has not improved since my last visit. Neither have the roads. Nor the vehicles. Most look to be ready for the scrap heap. One old buddy (WEIII) had a line… “there aren’t any scrap yards in the Solomon’s, instead they have a taxi fleet”. 

I am ensconced in a nice, nice, nice waterfront Hotel. Everything appears to work. So far. My family has provided for my needs. The room is large and we are stocked with grog and water. I am told the “kids” are going to come stay here, use the swimming pool, which works for me. I like the kids. I guess the water and snacks are for them. The grog for me. I’m cool.

I should go walk around. When we arrived, we stopped on the terrace and had coffee. There is a certain vibe these islands have. A lackadaisical posture, with a huge smile. I watched a security guard from my balcony… He is “patrolling” the back areas. Im sure he’s back here because there are less eyes on him. He moves like a true master at the art of artful sweating. He moves as if electromagetic magic floats his feet along the coral-gravel walk-way. He moves without lifting a foot from the ground. He moves gracefully but very slowly. His arms move little. I am sure he is burning very few calories. His head does a scan from left to right and up n down. He is floating on air.

When we sat down to have a coffee, a guy came up, beaming smile, and latched onto my right hand. He knows me form the past… “mi woka lo Yacht Club 12 years”… Thats when I remembered that the Island Style of hand shaking means you lose your hand for several minutes. It was good. I must admit I dont really remember “David”. He has a face I have seen and shall see again in others. Nothing makes me remember him. But it’s nice he remembers me and that gives him a buzz. Gives me a buzz too. His smile and positivity was infectious. 

I shall go out soon and have a look round. Find somthing to eat. 

So, as I watch standard PBS newz, let the aircon chill my shoulders, and wait for the kiddos, I shall write. Thinking tho, that as its now 617pm, my kiddos may all be otherwise occupied… It is a busy time an hang’n with Papa may not be the most attractive option this eve… They dont know I got Lindt chocolate… 

Which is OK. I shall write… Discuss my experiences and emotions as I time travel. It’s a fun opportunity to be an observer in the land I called home for so many years. 

Ha, I laugh… the customs agent that stamped my virginal Aussie Passport asked, “have you been here before?”, to which I say, “what year iu born, ia?”, he looks a bit shocked and says “1991”, to which I reply “Granpikinin blo mi old winnem iu.”. And it was fun. Nice to be back into the inarticulate world of Solomon Pijin. 

Did I say this is my first trip as a card carrying Aussie. Ive had my Aussie gold-ticket for right on 2 years… Kinda nice – so far. I like being an Aussie….

Ok, so it’s Island Time… Im going down to the Terrace… Ive got my harraches on. A faded magenta pair of shorts, an 18yr old Tommy Bahama island print shirt, and all my ink…  I like to wear my ink… I have feet, legs, arms, back, butt, neck and hands – including palms ink’d-  I do tend to get noticed.

And my ink is good. High quality… It’s excellent in fact. There is a lot of ink that aint so good…. Like country and western music… there is a shit load out there that sux. My ink is top-shelf. Thanks to Tu and Ify…

I like how folks try to surreptitiously look at my ink. It’s great when kids just openly gawk. I always make a point of commenting on others’ ink.  I never get a negative reaction. 

I’m sitting in the Terrace Lounge at the Heritage Park Hotel. On the site that used to be the Governor General’s residence. It’s a nice place. An easy 10years old now, n still nice. Classy, in that open air, semi/ always decaying humid n muggy tropical terrace kinda way. I like it.

Many ceiling fans agitate the air. A big screen TV on the wall purveys some form of information/ rhetoric/ propaganda disguised as newz. Im trying to figure out what channel it is… looks like the BBC. Or ABC…

A table of 4, drinking, happy, Solomon women are leaving. It’s a big ordeal. I assume them to be reasonably high government functionaries, having a drink after some big meeting. They are happy, polite, vocal, loud, and cannot find their flip flops. It’s a nice bit of comedic relief. 

There are a few gringos around… the place is by no means busy. I have spoke to Eve, who got me my first beer, and Ivory, who got me my second. Grace took my dinner of fish n chips away. Fish n chips in the Solos…. Steak in Iowa… not the other way around… 

The fish n kumari chips are the best meal on the menu…

The little red chillies are not green capsicum… they are hot, hot, hot… very nice…

It is sedate where I sit… low and slow music in the background, muted strings and the slow shuffle of conscientious staff. The sound of wind and surf in the near distance. The whirrr of the fans. 

The staff here are well trained. And there be a bunch of them. 

I just talked with Ivory. She asked my name – speaking pidgin – I told her, and she launched into a tale of her brother, Mike, who is a very difficult  guy… “hem drink, hem smoke marijuana, hem make mommy and daddy no happy”..  I laughed with her saying the name Mike is a curse. It was a fun laugh. She’s not afraid of me any more. 

Most folks are kinda put off by me… I walk tall, smile a lot, am an illustrated man, talking loud, and generally take control of my space quite effectively. What’s not to like? 

The islands can be good and gentle… or viciously ruthless. No middle ground – or not much. The Isles respect Strength, and trample weakness to Death. And openly gawk at my ink.

But the Isles be so, so fun loving and playful and island-like that a painted man with a funny accent that speaks fluent pidgin does get good service. I like it. It is entertaining. 

And it makes me smile…

A fine layer of coral based, lime-stone, talcum-like dust permeates. In some places it’s thick. Pervasive. But where I am, it’s a well kept secret. Numerous uniformed staff do their duties constantly. It’s a 24/7 sorta place. I am impressed how well and openly the staff engage. But then, this is the Hapi Isles… The premises around the hotel look great.

1027 pm… 927 aussie time. Im going to shower and sleep. Been up since 330. 

Life is guuud. 

In de islands, mon, you must learn to treat sweating as an art form. You do heaps of sweating so must be done tastefully, artistically…

I sit in a down-town Hotel, The heritage Park. This where the old GG’s residence was. It’s a sprawling complex with many uniformed staff. Due to my family a) having a full house, and b) not really liking me much, I get quite a nice serviced apartment. I guess they dont want me up at the house… which is indeed full.

The flight was good. My son, Don, and his dawg, Big Red, picked me up.Gracie was at the Otel having fish and chips, so we joined her and I had. a couple Solbrews…\

In deislands, mon… it is guuuud…

More later

717am on a Wednesday morn. I woke early (330am) and was on the road by 430.

The morning’s air was dense, fog filled, mist filled, murky. The headlights reflected off the fog and obscured vision. Headlights in the distance appeared a long ways off, small pin picks through the mud, then they were on you. I know that if I’m struggling to drive everyone else is struggling too. Morning rush hour traffic these days starts way early. I took it easy. Never good to die in a car crash rushing to catch a plane…

I am on the move for the first time since early 2020. Over 4 years without crossing. boarders, jumping jets, moving and grooving.

Amazing what the “Covid-era” did to us…

I am on the move, heading back to Honiara, sitting outside gate #73 in the Brisbane International Terminal. I am quite early so I contentedly get to sit and write for an hour or more… lucky you…

This is my first trip as a card-carrying Aussie. My virgin Passport is still void of stamps or blemishes. The Customs clearance process, as an Aussie , is flawless.

I fly back to The Solos for a big family party. Gotta love a party… Son, Don, has decided to finally wed his wife of many years, Joan. Their three daughters, Dawn, Vera, and Andromeda all get to be part of the function. Their grown son, Mendoza, gets to help make it all happen. I think him and his buddies are doing the DJing… It is going to be huge…

Where I sit is almost empty. Gate #73 is at the distant easterly end of the sprawling BNE INT complex. It’s a long way from the amenities of the main shopping and buying area of the terminal. Once you walk down this far, once I walked down this far, walking back not a viable option.

Ive been here before, many times. Assumed the gates most distant from the main area meant cheaper fees. Why Solair was always down at this end. I always assumed… noting the fancy pants airlines like Cathay and Singapore Air always got the gates right in the main terminal area.

I have positioned myself so I can watch people walking down this way. I like seeing if I know anyone, if anyone recognises me. We know the Pacific as a region is a small place, and it is very common to start bumping into folks from years past as you wander the cloistered interior of BNE INT.

The Solomon Airline desk is staffed by two-Honiara gals, turned Aussie. Both are long family friends, noting I knew their parents (all gone) well. The Solo-Buzz is full of the pending party. Its been a long time coming and many, many folks (like me) are traveling to attend. So it’s nice when Ms Dennis, and Ms Leong smile and chat and push me through easily, giving me a good seat, chatting and smiling as I make my way through the line. Good way to start the trip.

The plane starts boarding in about an hour. In half hour we’ll start seeing out-of-breath people come trotting down the tiles. Earlier I watched a large family (a couple moms, a coupled dads, a grandma and granddad, and about 5 kids) all move along in a traveling-circus fashion. I said to one of the dads that it all looked fun. Everyone was sooo happy. I wished them well and hoped they’d be as happy when they returned.

So I sit… A handful of people sleepily lounge in uncomfortable chairs. No one talking. No music playing. The haze outside the expanse of glass is still murky. Sun yet to burn away the moisture in the air.

I no longer know any (many) of the expats starting to show up, preparing to board. There is a large number of Solomon Islanders doing seasonal work here in Aus, thus we have a fair few guys and gals and flying home, laden with cargo.

The air-hostess staff are showing up. A good sign. I have not looked to see if the plane is here yet. I think it is. Damn! Solar on time!

Damn!

Due to commitments and projects and the fact that I am behind in my mowing, I am only away for two nights. My buddy Gerhardus is hanging out at the ranch, feeding my dogs, enjoying the quiet. My little valley is a good place to be quiet.

I am very disinclined to go to the Solos and NOT spend time in the West. And by spending time I mean a month or two. So, this trip is short. By necessity.

Solar making a number announcements. We must be getting close.

I shall collate my excrement, reassess my shit, take a leak, get ready to move…

More from HIR…

Smiles

Been a while, been a long time…

On the move…

More later

Sunday, August ending, weather getting warmer.

As the world smoulders and burns… As internal grievances divide and external issues ignite…

I am Fiddling… like Nero, as Rome burned…

I am fiddling with my old machines…

These beautiful Britt babes have been in storage, under covers, dripping oil for 5 years…

1962 650cc Norton Dominator. Has the iconic “feather bed” frame and is a dream to ride…

1952 650cc Thunderbird. What I call the “Wild One”, noting the famous movie … https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Wild-One

1959 650cc T110, known as a “Tiger”, a very sexy machine…

1966 650cc Thunderbird. One of my favourite machines…

1957 700cc “Royal Indian”… a Royal Enfield Constellation badged by Indian in the USA. Very much a unicorn. And very nice looking.

My “daily” ride… The Joker… Sitting with the John Deere mowers… I am from Iowa…

The Joker looks great from the rear end… note the SegWay in the background… 2wheelz be good…

My neglected workshop…

So I be fiddling… as the world smoulders…

Old Fart Fin n Games…

More later

I am not sure where I learned it, But I count birthdays with your original bday, the day you ceased breathing liquids and was forced to breath air, as 1. So today I claim I am 68, even though convention counting of birth-days would claim I 67.

Im ok with either.

Life is good…

More later

Wood, not war…

Dawgs n Kids…

Fast cars, sexy motorcycles, gorgeous women…

All are better topics to discourse upon, waffle on about, ruminate and discuss…

Than the world of political turmoil.

I watch and listen and read and research. I might be an information junkie, addicted to looking outside of my quiet life, my small mind, my isolated valley. I like to know things, know what is going on, what is being said, who says it, why, when, where. I very much dislike uninformed experts. Folks that know nothing and insists on proving it to you…

I think of the world and people I know and the information and propaganda and rhetoric swirling and infecting, effecting… There are a few folks I know who simply do not care what is going on and feel fine about living in a bubble of lack of information. Two different friends, one in the US and one in Europe, make a point NOT KNOWING what is going on. Thats their badge of honour, their way of bowing out perhaps? Simply not listening or maybe caring.

I also know many people who remain involved, believe they are involved, but remain woefully uninformed. Being well informed is a task, its work, it takes effort.

And some folks simply dont get it any of it, but try to pretend they do. That they are informed. But their filters in life prohibit them from really, really being able to inspect, accept or reject information. Too many people I know say things that prove such ignorance… “I cant even Listen to CNN!”, “Fox aint news, it’s entertainment”, ” Al Sharpton is a race baiting asshole”, “Tucker Carlson is a soviet agent”, … Probably all kinda true but… how do you know if you dont listen to what “they” say.

It takes a lot of work to be a centrist.

Being left or right is easier because all one needs to to have an issue, say abortion, and parrot the bumper sticker type slogans of “your team”.

“The River To The Sea” is a good one… I am of the opinion that the majority of the youthful intellectuals that are parading in cities world wide, chanting this quite derogatory slogan, dont really have much of a clue as to what they are saying, doing.

As one of the young intellectuals at a violent street party in George Town said… “Im just here for the riot”.

Reminds me of riots Ive attended in the past…

More later

My kennels are happy, busy, lots of fun…

We are preparing to ship our puppies to the Solomons. A plan coming to fruition, a nice process that shall have a great ending/ result.

We have Bruno, Siko, and Stormy flying off on the 20th. A lot needs to be done before they can fly. Desexing is a big job. We started early this week to comply and get it all going…

Here we have the puppies with some visitors. 3yr old, Andromeda, is going to get the little black pup, Stormy. Both are runts. Andro is tiny. Stormy is the pick of the litter for me. Both are very, very aware and intelligent. They shall be a great team…

The Vets call the protective collars “hoods of shame”. They are struggling to get used to them. It is quite entertaining…

Sika being attacked by aliens…

Stormy on the ride home…

Waiting in the Vet’s office…

Bruno heading to the Vet’s…

Dogs are good.

Dogs n kids…

More later

August is here. I can see the tilting of the earth reversing. I watch the sunrise and sunset and try to tell the time of day by the position of the sun on the horizon. Noting that I’m in a valley so my horizon is the hill-line surrounding me.

I’m busy. Weather has dried up enough for me to get some work done. To make some gains on my projects. 2024 has been a tough year on my projects. The excessive rain (I blame it all on glow-ball warming) has put months and months of delays on me. One project is a solid 12 months behind schedule, but thats a seperate story…

My morning are very chilly. Ive been wrapping up and staying toasty under the covers these past mornings. My house is big and hollow. I dont run the heater, preferring to put a sweater on, wrapping in a granny blanket. Staying in bed until the day’s light reaches the valley floor. We do not get “cold” like my birth-land, Iowa, can be. I have not seen “freezing” temps here, ever.

A month ago the sun hit us 8am or so. It’d set about 4pm. Once the radiant heats departs the chill sets in quickly. This morning, at 7am, it was still foggy, damp and chilly. By 8am it was bright and much warmer outside than inside the house. I worked outside until well after 4pm yesterday. My days are getting longer.

I have been talking to my Big Boer Buddy, Gerhardus, about the world, politics, the US debacle, etc, etc… Ive been telling G to read George Orwell. 1984 and Animal Farm are good reference reads these days.

We are in peculiar times, trying times, even dangerous times. Funny how an old piece of literature can be pertinent and current.

Must be magic.

I do believe in magic.

August is a magical month.

More later

Lets see… A sunny, warm Friday mid-day. Been up since early running and doing stuff. Got more to do, I am a farmer, and like your mother, my work is never done…

Wind chimes sing in the breeze. Puppies are making puppy noises. I need to go make a water pump do my bidding. Its been recalcitrant all week.

And I am a bit confused by the info from the USofA. We had a tottering Biden that has been propped of for ages by all and everything around him. We have heard he is sharp as a tack, inquisitive and articulate, and in control… but he had issues with steps and walking and talking and… Knowing the facts…

So Joe says he’s done, after running for nomination and presumably gaining the DNC endorsement, he tells us he is “quitting”. But he’s not quitting. Not yet. Heels-up-Kamala Harris has to “earn” the nomination. Or so we are told…

And to celebrate the Democrat Party held a street party in DC. They were welcoming to town the Israeli PM. In his honour they showed their patriotism by burning a flag…

Looks like quite a party, fun had by all..

So, as I said, I am confused… what happened? I hear it is democracy in action. We hear, are told, that Joe is saving democracy. And, maybe, the cracking of a few eggs (democratic eggs) is what it take to save the USofA… from what? From democracy? The democratic process that has unfolded over the past several months, through the primary(s) and past the Republican Convention, and into the Democrat Convention… and onto the election in November… ???

Would appear to me that we are witnessing a perversion of the democratic system that is the US0fA, no?

I am confused.

More later

Sunday morning here in my little valley. It’s chilly enough to keep the dogs nested deep in their straw beds. The gusting winds shake and make the house moan and groan. When we first bought this place I had my grandkids convinced there were spooks here. They probably still think such. I know I do.

I have a great liking for wind chimes. I have 7 seperate chimes hanging on my back porch. 2 are big, deep, noisy ones that I mute intentionally. One is a delicate brass Lucky Elephant chime that tinkles very lightly, magically. One is an old, cheap chime I bought when I first moved to Aus. Ive repaired it many times and is my favourite. The other 3 are modern, nice sounding, light and airy affairs that make the world sound like a happy place. Combined my environment is a mix of eerie whistles and whines of the wind through windows, with the dancing, smiling tinkling of the happy chimes.

This morning on the back porch I found my Body Guard, Sika, showing off a bit…

Ive been watching dogs for my entire life and still wonder at time why they do what they do. Sika has a good bed. He has the carpet own the floor. He can go down to the kennels and get nested in nice straw. Or he can sit on the table. I would opinion that he likes being up higher so he can see more, and also be seen. He is very vain.

One of the things I do with my dogs is I train them to be calm. To relax, sit quiet, and let the pack just be… I call it Canine Zen… Like all things “dawg”, you cant teach calm if you cant be calm… Its hard to achieve calm with puppies around…

The aim of all this dog-business is to raise dogs for the extended family. Its been years in the making and this month we successfully exported our first dog… Big Red now lives in Honiara, and has such a terrible life…

Red certainly looks relaxed… Andromeda looks interested in red’s anatomy…

Dawgs n kids…

Nuth’n better

Smiles

Saturday eve, 20 July, 630pm, and its lights out…

Power went off. Can tell by looking around that it’s not just me. I did inspect my switch boards. It all looks cool. I checked on line and find we’re in a regional service fault area effecting 179 users. The fault is under investigation.

Power off o big deal… I like low light environments and as such I burn candles rather than turn lights on. I light candles every evening. Throughout the house… Sure I turn the light on to cook or do dishes but normally my house is illuminated by candles happily burning and scenting the air. I claim bright lights are too noisy for me.

I like candles.

I like low light.

So I’m cooking and watching NRL and puttering around when the TV dies. I note the kitchen light dies, and I look outside and West to see no light on at my neighbours. Power off…

Candles still burning throughout the house. No problems getting around, no emergency… I can still see…

It was a boring NRL game. My beans are pretty well cooked. I’m cool without power, for the time being.

My old farm house is electric… Need a pump to push water from rain tanks into the toilets and showers. Im Ok tho, I had a shower earlier when I came in from mowing. Gracie said she’d had her shower. No issues there.

We filter the rain water for drinking so we have a full urn of fresh water. The down stairs toilet runs off of ground water so no pump/ electricity required there. Flush to your hearts content. Stove is electric so cooking stopped. Also no way to heat water for a cup of tea. Maybe no cup of evening tea is the biggest inconvenience. I do have the bbq if I really want a cuppa…

I have a ride little 8kva genset under the house. If power still off tomorrow I’ll fire it up and plug it in.

For now its dark and quiet. With a full moon rising.

Very nice

more later